[IC Contact -- Snowblind]

[bookofnope]

[There is a click noise. It sounds as though it might be judging you.]

Comments

[bookofnope]

[Hot water. Beckett lets out a weak laugh.] I'm that easy these days, aren't I?

[It isn't a good thing. But that's not Kunsel's fault - he sees what the other man is trying to do. It's a kindness, however off-mark its aim. The least he can do is be sincere in response.]

I'm not sure how much of a help I can be to you. I'm... not what I was. I can't say how much strength I have for this anymore, never mind anything like hope.

[deus_ex_phs]

[That earns a laugh of his own.]

I think we're all that easy.

[He still thinks back longingly to the feel of having his hands actually warm.]

Anyway, I'm not asking for strength here, Beckett. I'm just asking you to do what you can. Anything you can do is already more than what we'd have without you, and none of us know who will be the one to spot to spot something significant.

[bookofnope]

[When he puts it that way, there's nothing there to argue with - too reasonable. Kunsel is always reasonable, that's the trouble. Beckett knows he isn't, himself. It should make it easier, and doesn't.]

You're asking me to go back to the search. It's - more than you know. [A pause. He makes a soft weary noise as he rubs his eyes with thumb and forefinger.] Have you considered what we'll do if there is no way out? If this is all there is?

[deus_ex_phs]

If this is all there is, then we'll either die, or we'll make a new life while we keep looking. If we die, then we're dead and it doesn't matter, so why plan for it?

[bookofnope]

And if it's not so clean and convenient as all of us dying? If there is no way out, could you build a new life here?

[deus_ex_phs]

[Wryly.] We wouldn't have a choice, so yes. If we're stuck here, then there is no alternative besides death.

[bookofnope]

Death is, still, an alternative. [Beckett's voice is quiet. This isn't fair of him and he knows it. Kunsel is asking for his help. One of those young people who have so much to live for.]

I'm tired, that's all. Tired of mysteries... but that isn't on you. I'll come. The others here will also be interested, no doubt.

[deus_ex_phs]

Not for me, it isn't. [His voice is equally quiet, but it's also very much convicted.] Not unless my death can mean someone else will live.

Thank you, Beckett. I appreciate it.